Fox fires up Pack, technically speaking
Motivation shouldn't have been a problem on Senior Night, but UNR coach Mark Fox sensed something was wrong with his team Saturday.
So he did something about it, though he's not necessarily bragging.
Fox purposely picked up a technical foul late in the first half against Louisiana Tech and he got the desired response. The Wolf Pack went on a 13-4 run, took a 42-25 lead and cruised to a 87-57 victory.
"I hate to say it, but I did try and get one," Fox said Monday. "I felt like the team was really flat. It was probably not the right thing to do, but it worked and got the team going."
It was Fox's first technical of the season, though he said the rarity of the foul was probably lost on his players.
"I think this team's got a completely different makeup than other teams," Fox said.
• FOUR AND NO MORE? -- The Wolf Pack (19-10, 11-4 Western Athletic Conference) still needs help to earn a share of its fifth straight league title.
Boise State (22-7, 12-3) has clinched at least a share of the WAC crown, but a home loss by the Broncos against Utah State on Thursday would give the Wolf Pack one last opening. UNR finishes Saturday at Fresno State (13-17, 5-10).
• SCOUTING THE BULLDOGS -- Fresno State's backcourt is one of the WAC's best, with Kevin Bell and Eddie Miller combining for 34 points per game. Bell averages 18.7, including 31 in a 79-66 loss at Utah State on Monday.
But Fox said Fresno's big men shouldn't be overlooked, and the Bulldogs are one of the WAC's best defensive teams.
"They have the pieces together and are ready to play," Fox said. "It's their Senior Night. They have great seniors, and it's not an easy place to play."
After playing Fresno State, UNR will compete in the WAC Tournament on March 11 to 15 at Las Cruces, N.M.
• MILESTONE -- The victory over Louisiana Tech was Fox's 100th as Wolf Pack coach. He got their in 128 games, faster than any previous WAC coach.
Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or (702) 387-2914.
